Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Idahosa Musa
Benin City, Nigeria – Great Benin King, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has received from the Netherlands Government, 119 pieces of repatriated Benin artefacts, which are part of the thousands of priceless treasures looted by the British Government during its invasion of the Kingdom in 1897.
While receiving the artefacts from the Netherlands government’s emissaries, Oba Ewuare commended former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for resisting an alleged subterranean attempt made by the past administration in Edo State to re-loot the Benin Artefacts, through the construction of a Private Museum in Benin.
The Benin Monarch noted that the political will, intentionality and sincerity of purpose of the duo has led to the recovery of some Benin Artefacts that are making significant impact and cultural landscape, abroad.
He also applauded Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, for rejecting the alleged re-looting of the artefacts for personal gains.
The First Class Monarch, however, thanked the Netherlands Government for returning the 119 looted artefacts to the Benin Palace, its original home.
The development comes barely one year after the royal father took custody of two other looted Bronzes — comprising two wooden royal stools (Ekete) made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie in Benin from the German government.
The recent iconic heritage crafted by Edo people were returned from Wereld Museum in Netherlands, include the displayed Bird (Ahianmwen), wooden ancestral head, warrior King, cock (Okpa) since the infamous 1897 expedition by the British Forces in Benin palace.
“I want to thank President President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting and committing to the effort of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari in this quest in ensuring that our artefacts are not re-looted.
“I believe there were groups in this Country- Nigeria that acted with international Cartels with all sorts of conspirators against the return of Benin Bronzes.
“Today, the boldness, the courage of our Benin people are still there. We try to reawaken the courage.
“Your predecessor in National Commission for Museums and Monuments, was part of that conspiracy to re-loot our artefacts”, Obama Ewuare II, said
Continuing, the Oba said having been trained in America, “I tell you as it’s. These artefacts belong to my Benin ancestors. I will not sit here on the ancient throne of my ancestors and let it be re-looted.
“I thank the government of Netherlands for working with us — For being touched in their hearts to return these treasured artefacts.
“This is part of the efforts to reawaken the morale and spirits of my people, and make them courageous again.
“You know the history of Benin, that is reduced to Edo South Senatorial District and others.
“Then, there was a Government in Edo State that tried to reduce it further. That Government wanted. But, God did not allow it”, Oba Ewuare enthused.
Addressing the Benin Throne, Mr. Holloway, made the symbolic presentation to the Oba on behalf of the Nigerian government Wednesday evening, recalled a brief history of the British expedition in Benin Palace.
He thanked the Netherlands government officials and Oba Ewuare for trusting the system with the Benin artefacts, vowing not to depose the confidence reposed in him by the monarch.
Netherlands Delegation’s Team, led by Marieke Van Bommel, while expressing solidarity with the Oba, stated that the ceremony represented a historic moment that will further strengthen Diplomatic ties between Netherlands and Nigerian governments.
Recall that 119 pieces of repatriated looted Benin artefacts — symbolizing the largest physical returned Bronzes from Netherlands in Europe, paving the way for cultural Diplomacy.
In a rare and historic move, Oba Ewuare, rose from his throne at the breathtaking moment when he danced joyfully to soul-lifting songs and offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors for the historic milestones, which has kindled the courage of Edo heritage.
Members of the royal family, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Esq, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, Benin palace Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie) and HRH Sule Idaiye, the Imma of Somorika Clan in Akoko-Edo in Edo North Senatorial District, were among dignitaries that joined the royal father at the ceremony.
